Facade Improvement Program Guidelines and Application

7/7/2014

The City of Cambridge Community Development Department (CDD) has established a Storefront Improvement Program that provides technical and financial assistance to property owners or business tenants seeking to renovate or restore their exterior signage, lighting or commercial building facades. The Program’s objectives are to improve the physical appearance of independent businesses and enhance the commercial districts.

The Program provides a matching grant for funding of well-designed improvements that will coordinate all the important features of the storefront into a more attractive image while creating, if necessary, an accessible entrance for the public. This may include the restoration of architectural details, better windows and doors, and well-proportioned signage and lighting. Past reimbursement grants have ranged from $2,500 to $35,000 based on scope of work and available funds. Reimbursement grants vary each year so contact CDD for further information.

A consultant retained by the City will be available to provide assistance to applicants through the conceptual design stage at no cost to the applicants. Applicants, however, will be responsible to hire licensed architects and contractors to refine this conceptual design depending on the scope of work.